In 1327, an English friar, William of Baskerville, and a young German monk, Adso of Melk, visit an Italian abbey. On arrival, William is called upon to investigate some bizarre murders. The abbey also holds other secrets. The story is told by Adso, in old age, and conveys the atmosphere of fourteenth century Italy: the pungent foods, the sexual mores, the heresies, the earthly humour and the harsh quality of life.